In anticipation of the 2015 MLB trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers were involved in a major trade with the New York Mets, with star outfielder Yoenis Cespedes at the center of the deal. Cespedes was traded to the Mets in exchange for pitching prospects Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa, a move that appeared to promise long-term benefits for the Tigers.
A first-round pick in the 2011 MLB draft, Fulmer was one of the top prospects in baseball ahead of the 2016 season, landing inside the top 100.
Fulmer quickly met those expectations, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2016 and finishing 10th in Cy Young voting that same year. He earned an All-Star nod the next season, appearing to be a cornerstone for the Tigers’ rotation.
However, his performance declined in 2018, and injuries to his elbow and knee ultimately led to a shift in his role, transitioning from a starting pitcher to a reliever.
After a tough 2020 season, Fulmer found his stride as a reliever, showing solid performances in 2021 and 2022 before being traded to the Minnesota Twins.
He spent the 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs, but missed all of 2024 due to injury.
However, Fulmer made a comeback this year, appearing in three Major League games for both the Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. He also pitched 18 games in the minors, playing for each of their Triple-A affiliates.
Now, he is latching on with his third franchise of the year.
After being designated for assignment by the Cubs, he agreed to a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals.
Fulmer has been assigned to Triple-A Omaha, where he will look to make a positive impression and get back into the Big Leagues.
Cracking the Royals bullpen will be difficult, producing well this season with a 3.55 ERA, which is sixth in the MLB.
Leave a Reply